• Sahar Elhabashi is executive VP, MTV Networks International

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jan 21, 2002

    Sahar Elhabashi has been promoted to Executive V-P, MTV Networks International.

    In her expanded role, Elhabashi will direct strategy, operations and business development for MTV Networks‘ brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in international markets. Elhabashi is also on the board of directors of Nickelodeon Australia, a joint venture between MTV Networks and XYZ Entertainment.

    Elhabashi directed MTV‘s January 2001 entry into Japan with a TV channel and Web site launched via a partnership with @JapanMedia, as well as collaborated with MTV Europe on acquisitions of KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in the Netherlands. MTV Networks has introduced 22 new TV, online & PC broadband services internationally in the past year, including VH1‘s debut in Asia, Nickelodeon launches in China and Singapore, and MTV 24-hour channel and Web site premieres in Korea and the Philippines.

    In the immediate term, an area which might need Elhabashi‘s attention in India is Nickelodeon, which two years after its launch is still to find its feet.

    Greg Ricca, COO, MTV Networks International, who made the appointment announcement, said: "Sahar has been a driving force behind the strategic growth and development of our brands across multimedia platforms around the world, helping MTV achieve its status as the world‘s largest global network, while launching VH1 internationally, and developing Nickelodeon across all lines of businesses in priority markets."

    Elhabashi joined MTV Networks in London in 1992 as manager of new business development, MTV Europe, where she oversaw investment opportunities for MTV in the region. Under her direction, MTV expanded its European business through the launch of VH1 in the UK and Europe as well as through brand extensions into other lines of business, including magazines and record compilations.

    In 1994, she was named V-P of Strategy for the newly formed MTV International, responsible for steering strategic and operations planning for MTV and VH1 in international markets. Elhabashi relocated to New York in 1996. In 1997 she was promoted to senior V-P, adding network development for MTV and VH1 to her responsibilities. In 1998, Nickelodeon International‘s strategy and network development responsibilities were added to her duties.

    MTV Networks claims to be the world‘s premier brand-led, multi-platform entertainment company, reaching more than 164 countries via 72 channels, 38 Web sites and extensive syndication and licensing businesses linked to MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon brands and properties.


  • BBC to provide interactive view of Winter Olympics

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jan 21, 2002

    The BBC is launching the first ever live, interactive Olympic Games from Salt Lake City, Utah next month. From 8 to 25 February, digital interactive viewers will have access to information and pictures on the events they want to see throughout the Winter Games.
    The BBC will have daily coverage from late afternoon when the day?s events commence in the US, which continues through the night. Digital interactive viewers will also be able to access highlights of all the days action through BBCi the following day as video or text.

    During live broadcasts, Digital Satellite (Sky) viewers will be prompted to press the Red Key to access a multiscreen with the options of Grandstand, plus two additional streams of live events at the Games, such as the adrenalin of the Skeleton or the grace of Ice Dancing. Viewers can select the event they want, or even watch all three. An updated schedule of events and the medal table is available through the Blue Key. During non-broadcast hours the interactive service will be available through pressing the Text button on the handset.

    Digital Terrestrial (itvDigital) and Digital Cable (ntl and Telewest) viewers will receive a text based service alongside a live screen with current BBC pictures. The service will include details of medal winners and overall medal table, the schedule of forthcoming action, a "Guide to the Games" explaining some of the more unorthodox sports and expert analysis from former Olympians and BBC pundits, Graham Bell and Robin Cousins.

    Head of Interactive TV Scott Gronmark said: "The multi-event format of the Olympics is perfect for providing simultaneous picture streams interactively. It gives viewers the power to choose which events they watch, as well as adding to the appeal of the Winter Games for a greater number of winter sports enthusiasts. The other terrific service we?re offering interactive viewers is next day highlights of action which took place in the middle of the night. This way, viewers can catch up on key events when it suits them - it?s all about choice and flexibility."

    For news, events schedule and medal table information, plus interactive

  • First interactive weather channel launched in the US

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jan 19, 2002

    Weather need no longer remain at the fag end of news shows. The first ever interactive weather channel using terrestrial digital television (DTV) spectrum has recently been launched in the US.

    Promoted by NJN Public Television and Radio (NJN), AccuWeather, Triveni Digital and Zenith Electronics Corporation, the channel utilizes the flexibility of the ATSC Digital Television standard. Each viewer can interact with the received content individually, while not requiring any type of back channel to a central server.

    This innovative digital television application uses the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) Transport B specification for sending interactive TV data over the DTV spectrum. The data is stored in the STB memory and is available for interactive retrieval using the viewer‘s remote control.

    TV-based interactive weather information is compelling in that it provides immediate access over TV while being easy to use with frequent updates. Taking advantage of the flexible 19.4 megabit-per-second broadband pipeline that the ATSC DTV standard provides, NJN plans to expand the portal offering to include local traffic, news, and other innovative local channels from Triveni Digital.

  • Scientific-Atlanta announces ITV launch milestone

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jan 19, 2002

    Scientific-Atlanta has announced that over 30 per cent of the MSO systems using its digital platform and interactive set-tops are carrying some form of interactive television (ITV) services available to millions of potential subscribers.

    They run the gamut from video-on-demand to email, Internet access, enhanced viewing and t-commerce applications. Cable operators are deploying Scientific-Atlanta networks and Explorer digital interactive set-tops to provide subscribers with compelling interactive content to reduce churn and increase revenue, claims the company.

    Adding to the pool of interactive TV applications cable operators have to choose from, Scientific-Atlanta also announced that InformTV has joined its CreativEdge Developer Program and is working to obtain certification of its new application, InformTV Sports 1.0. As a member of the CreativEdge Developer Program, the company will receive ongoing development support and testing and integration services throughout the application development process from Scientific-Atlanta.

    The application, which InformTV expects to be available during the first quarter of 2002, complements existing broadcast programming by making sports scores, statistics and information available on every cable channel, completely independent of broadcast video content.

  • Scientific-Atlanta announces ITV launch milestone

    Scientific-Atlanta has announced that over 30 per cent of the MSO systems using its digital platform and interactive

  • First interactive weather channel launched in the US

    Weather need no longer remain at the fag end of news shows.

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